VIRGINIA, Minn. — A pro-mining group is suing to overturn an order by Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton that dealt a blow to the proposed Twin Metals copper-nickel mine near Ely.

Dayton last March directed the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources not to enter into any new access or lease agreements for mining operations on state-owned lands near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area, citing the environmental risk to the pristine wilderness.

Up North Jobs said Tuesday it filed a lawsuit in St. Louis County District Court last week seeking an injunction to let mineral exploration continue there, saying Dayton’s order violated state statutes.

Twin Metals overcame an even more serious blow last month when the Trump administration reversed the Obama administration and decided it should renew the federal mineral rights leases needed for the project.

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